German Chancellor Merz stated earlier that his phone exchanges with US President Donald Trump concerned the Strait of Hormuz and reinforced the consensus that Tehran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has conceded to communication flaws within the conservative-Social Democrat coalition and declared his intention to articulate his political direction more transparently going forward.
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During the German Catholic Convention in Würzburg, the CDU leader remarked that while disagreement is inherent to democracy, it must ultimately generate tangible outcomes. Currently, he observed, the balance may tip toward excessive disputes with inadequate achievements.
Before the summer break, the federal government intends to introduce a reform package targeting tax systems, labor markets, pensions, and regulatory simplifications. Recent weeks, however, have witnessed ongoing tensions within the conservative-Social Democrat alliance.
The chancellor also acknowledged deficits in conveying government policy. He reflected on the challenge of why he had not fully succeeded in persuading the public about the federal government’s agenda. Recognizing the need for improvement, Merz emphasized that clearer communication is essential to enhance public comprehension during a panel discussion at the Catholic Convention in Würzburg, particularly addressing queries from young attendees.
According to the recent ARD «Germany Trend» poll, just 13% of participants remain satisfied with the government’s performance one year post-election. Likewise, the chancellor’s own approval ratings have declined sharply within his first year, standing at a mere 16% currently.
Climate activists interrupted the panel discussion with Merz through heckling and whistles.
Initially, the more than 1,000 audience members in attendance remained patient, but soon urged the approximately four protesters to exit the venue. Security personnel escorted one woman out, while another left on her own. Subsequently, the session was able to proceed uninterrupted.
Merz highlighted that many Germans are already putting in considerable effort at work. Nevertheless, lifetime and annual working hours remain below levels observed in numerous other industrialized nations.
‘Collective push’
He expressed his aim to spark a «collective push» that would guide the country out of its present challenges.
Youth representatives urged the chancellor to engage younger generations more directly in political decision-making and discouraged labeling them as idle. Merz responded that no member of his party had ever characterized Germans as lazy. Simultaneously, he reiterated the need to enhance his communication approach.
Merz emphasized that, faced with significant challenges, his goal is to inspire optimism and strengthen trust in problem-solving capabilities, though he acknowledges the necessity to clarify his positions more effectively in the future.
Renewed criticism of the US
At the Catholic Convention, Merz expressed further criticism of the United States, indicating that his admiration for the nation has not grown recently. He stated he would no longer recommend his children pursue education or employment in the US, citing a changed social climate there.
He contrasted Germany’s social market economy with what he described as unfettered capitalism in the US, noting that many young, highly qualified individuals currently struggle to find work across the Atlantic.
Later that afternoon, he shared on social media platform X that he had spoken by phone with US President Donald Trump.
In his post, he wrote, «I had a constructive phone conversation with Donald Trump during his return trip from China. We concur that Iran must now return to the negotiating table; the Strait of Hormuz should be opened; and Tehran must not possess nuclear weapons. We also discussed a peace settlement for Ukraine and aligned our positions ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara. The United States and Germany remain strong partners within a robust NATO.»
It remains uncertain whether Trump was aware of these statements during the call. Previously, after Merz’s public comments about the US to young people, the US president responded sharply, intensifying recent strains in bilateral relations. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform accusing Merz of ignorance and attributing Germany’s difficulties—both economic and overall—to these limitations.
Earlier in April, Merz had told students in North Rhine-Westphalia that the Iranian leadership was humiliating an entire nation in relation to the United States.